Franklin Matters: cultural council

Showing posts with label cultural council. Show all posts

Friday, June 26, 2026

Farmers Market vendors, performers & food trucks today, June 26, 2026

https://www.instagram.com/p/DaBpPK5jBS_/

"Vendors, performers, and food trucks at the Franklin Farmers Market this week!

Thank you @franklinculturalcouncil02038, @masscultural, and Franklin Recreation Department for sponsoring!"

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Franklin Cultural Council announces A-Wreath-of-Franklin 2026 has a theme! “The Magic We Make”

Are you ready to make magic?

Hiran Jani of Franklin submitted the idea and the Franklin Cultural Council enthusiastically selected it.

Why did Hiran submit this theme idea? In her submission Hiran noted that she submitted “The Magic We Make” because it captures "how the magic of the season is something we create together as a community.”

The dates for this year’s events are still be determined. Stay tuned for more details.

Hiran Jani was present on Friday at the Franklin Downtown Partnership’s Strawberry Stroll when John Ristaino, Franklin Cultural Council Chairperson, made the announcement and unveiled this year’s logo.

THANK YOU HIRAN!

Get ready to “make magic” and come together as community!

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1E9C4SZikP/

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, May 27, 2026 ???

Wednesday, May 27

Curbside trash/recycling pickup schedule delayed one day due to holiday; what was Tuesday will be picked up Wednesday

1:00pm Scribblers Writing Group (recording session) (Franklin Senior Center)

6:30pm Bingo night (Kings Brick Oven Pizza & Pub)

6:30pm Franklin Elks Bingo Night (Franklin Elks Lodge #2136)

7:00pm Smarty Pants Trivia (Raillery Public House)

For Library events -> https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Library events -> https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9195/May-2026-Newsletter?bidId=

*** Town Meetings today ***

Council on Aging Board Meeting

Wednesday, May 27 Time: 11:00 AM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05272026-2334

Franklin Cultural Council Meeting

Wednesday, May 27 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05272026-2331

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Find the full Community event calendar https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication: https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

Saturday, May 16, 2026

FY 2027 Budget Narrative: Franklin Cultural Council

From the Town Administrator's FY 2027 Budget narrative, each department's story is worth sharing.

General Purpose

The Franklin Cultural Council (FCC) is dedicated to supporting arts, culture, and the humanities within the Franklin community. As a Local Cultural Council (LCC) funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) and supplemented by municipal support, the FCC provides grants and programming that enhance public access to diverse cultural experiences. The FY26 budget reﬂects our ongoing commitment to funding local artists, educators, and organizations while expanding public engagement with cultural initiatives.

Core Functions

● Grant Distribution: Administers Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) grants to support local arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences projects.

● Grant Reporting & Compliance: Ensures adherence to MCC guidelines and proper documentation of funded initiatives.

● Community Engagement: Promotes cultural opportunities for Franklin residents through events, programs, and partnerships.

● Cultural Advocacy: Serves as a liaison between the community and state cultural agencies to advance Franklin’s creative economy.

● Diversity & Inclusion in the Arts: Prioritizes equitable access to arts and culture for all community members.

● Cultural District Collaboration: Works alongside the Franklin Cultural District Committee to foster cultural growth and visibility.

● Event Sponsorship & Support: Assists in organizing, funding, and promoting cultural events within the town.

● Education & Youth Programs: Encourages arts and cultural education through partnerships with schools and local organizations.

Stafﬁng

● Nine (9) Volunteer Members

○ Includes: One (1) Chair
○ Includes: One (1) Treasurer

Strategic Initiatives & Accomplishments

● Successfully Distributed MCC Grants. Funded over $40K in local cultural programming through the FY25 grant cycle, supporting artists, nonproﬁt cultural organizations, and community-based projects.

● Increased Grant Applications. Expanded outreach efforts, resulting in a higher number of applicants for MCC funding, including new organizations and youth-focused programs.

○ FY24 $59,002 in requests from FCC
○ FY25 $81,925 in requests from FCC
○ FY26 $168,041 in requests from FCC

● Engaged Schools and Youth Organizations. Funded cultural programs that directly beneﬁted students and young artists, fostering arts education and creative engagement across the community.

○ Some of the organizations that the FCC has funded in FY26: The Franklin Farmers Market, Empty Bowls Project, The 4th of July Coalition, The Franklin Senior Center, The Franklin Public Library, the Franklin High School Theater Booster Club, The Franklin Art Association, The Franklin School of the Performing Arts.

● Supported Key Cultural Events. Provided funding and promotional support for

signature town-wide events, including The Strawberry Stroll, Harvest Festival Trunk-or-Treats, and the 2nd Annual ‘A Wreath of Franklin’, helping to increase attendance and community participation.

● Implemented More Transparent Reporting. Improved documentation and tracking of grant impacts, providing clear reporting on community, educational, and cultural outcomes.

FY27 Requested Budget Highlights

● This is a level funded budget. The state provides grant money to the FCC based on a formula in state law and is subject to appropriation by the state Legislature.

● The Town continues its own resources to “match” the state grant money.

FY27 Requested Budget Summary

The Franklin Cultural Council is requesting our standard $20,000 to continue supporting the expanding pool of local MCC grant applicants, including emerging and youth-focused artists and organizations. These funds will also support sustain free, community-wide arts programming that enriches public spaces, engages residents of all ages, and strengthens Franklin’s cultural identity.

Investing in this funding ensures broader access to the arts, promotes local talent, and enhances community participation, positioning Franklin as a vibrant regional hub for arts and culture.

The PDF of this section -

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1l80LIoK4b3BmpLWsGtqq_kntyaLWFS1g/view?usp=drive_link

For the full FY 2027 budget narrative - https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8912/FY27-Budget-Narrative-FINAL-1

The FY 2027 budget information can be found

https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=577

Thursday, February 12, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, February 12, 2026 ???

Thursday, February 12

Library & Senior Center events

For additional details on Library events ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

Note: Senior Center checking on why their events are suddenly being shown as "All Day". You can use the monthly newsletter for specific program/event times

*** Town Meetings today ***

Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meeting

Thursday, February 12 Time: 2:00 PM

No agenda posted at this time

Charles River Pollution Control District Meeting

Thursday, February 12 Time: 4:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02122026-2131

Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, February 12 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/553?fileID=7915

Cultural District Committee Meeting

Thursday, February 12 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02122026-2125

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Find the full Community event calendar https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication: https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Where's the Toast Memory Cafe - February 18, 2026 at 1 PM

Good morning,

On behalf of the Franklin Senior Center, we would like to extend an invitation to our February 18th Where's the Toast?! Memory Cafe.

Memory cafés offer a safe, judgment-free space to connect, socialize, and enjoy meaningful activities together, emphasizing companionship, creativity, and shared experiences. For individuals living with dementia, memory cafés help reduce isolation and foster a sense of belonging. For caregivers, they provide encouragement, understanding, and the chance to connect with others who truly support them.

Whether you come for conversation, laughter, music, or simply to be among supportive community members, you are welcome just as you are.

We hope you'll join us and be part of a community built on connection, dignity, and joy. Please RSVP to Amanda Rabbitt at arabbitt@franklinma.gov so we are ready to welcome you to the program!

Sincerely,

Amanda Rabbitt

Amanda S. Rabbitt

Supportive Day Program and

Special Project Coordinator

Tax Work Off Liaison

10 Daniel McCahill St

Franklin, Massachusetts 02038-1352

O. 508-520-4945, ext 4418
F. 508-520-4917
E. arabbitt@franklinma.gov

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, February 4, 2026 ???

Wednesday, February 4

Smiles for Soccer Fundraiser at George’s Pizza, 1 Crossing Plaza

10:00am Veterans Coffee Social (Franklin Senior Center)

1:00pm Joe Landry - Morse Block (Franklin Senior Center)

6:30pm Franklin Art Association Monthly Meeting (Franklin Senior Center)

Library & Senior Center Events

For additional details on Library events ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

Note: I do have an inquiry into the Senior Center on why their events are suddenly being shown as "All Day". The Center isn't even open all day.

*** Town Meetings today ***

Board of Health Meeting

Wednesday, February 4 Time: 5:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02042026-2115

Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, February 4 Time: 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02042026-2120

Franklin Cultural Council Meeting

Wednesday, February 4 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02042026-2117

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Find the full Community event calendar https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication: https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

Friday, December 26, 2025

Electric Youth, cabaret, and Benjamin Franklin's birthday celebrations on the horizon

January 3 … Electric Youth 2026 and the Boston Show Band Debut Concert, THE BLACK BOX. 7:30 pm Select link for ticketing and performance information. 15. West Central Street.

Electric Youth, cabaret, and Benjamin Franklin's
birthday celebrations on the horizon

January 9 … Franklin Performing Arts Company presents A Starry Night: A Cabaret featuring singers from the stages of Boston, Providence, and beyond. 8:00 pm. THE BLACK BOX. Select link for ticketing and performance information. 15 West Central St.

January 10 … Vera Meyer on the Glass Armonica - Concert. Community concert by musician Vera Meyer on the instrument invented by B. Franklin at the Franklin United Methodist Church. 1:00 pm. United Methodist Church is located at 82 West Central St. FREE. (per Franklin Historical Museum flyer)

January 10 … The Franklin Stove: An Unintended American Revolution at Franklin Public Library. As part of the town’s annual Ben Franklin Month, Harvard Professor Joyce Chaplin will be at the Franklin Public Library to discuss her new book, “The Franklin Stove: An Unintended American Revolution.” 4:00 pm Select Link for additional information. FREE. 118 Main Street.